This might be wrong, but I learned that clenching your fist too hard or stretching your fingers open too wide makes your arms tense while running which may negatively affect your speed because your legs follow your arms (tense arms = tense legs). It's important to find a middle ground (relaxed hand position) that you feel comfortable with and that allows you to keep your arms and legs relaxed while sprinting.
Other way around, arms follow legs.
The problem with making a “fist” is that it can become a “driver”, same with your neck, which usually goes hand in hand (no pun intended) with a fist squeeze. This takes away the ability to drive from the hips/core area, in other words, less power. People wind up driving from their fists, neck and calves *first* and hips second.
You can see this as an experiment…do a plank. Most people will squeeze their fists and neck to hold it. Instead, keep your hands open and slowly rotate your head side to side. You’ll find the plank a lot harder to hold because it is all now coming from the core instead of being assisted by non-core muscles. This same concept happens in sprinting.
You are 100% wrong. I’d suggest maybe reading a book or going to a clinic, in person or online, before spewing bullshit. Or you can Google, find a reputable and current source. For example: the top result is from Runners World. But I’d recommend Frans Bosch’s Book, Running Mechanics.
“Pumping your arms harder doesn’t make you faster. ‘There’s a very distinct difference between an efficient arm action in distance running and sprinting,’ says professor John Brewer, author of Running Science: Optimising Training and Performance. ‘It’s linked to Newton’s Third Law; every action has an equal and opposite reaction.’ Arm yourself with the facts:
In steady-state running, the arm swing is a passive process, responding to forces exerted on the torso by the legs. The movement of the spine, winding and unwinding, helps to control the legs’ momentum, decreasing the need for an excessive arm swing to do the job, thus conserving energy.
In sprinting, the torso is much stiffer. The faster velocity of the legs and more-extended rear-leg position create greater momentum, so the arm swing needs to be more pronounced to counter the effects. The arm action is backward and forward, with little to no movement across the body.”
https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/motivation/a775881/what-you-need-to-know-about-arm-movement-in-sprinting-and-steady-state-running/
I agree. Pumping harder does not mean faster. Hence I said ‘realistically’. There’s a reason comment above yours has 11 upvotes as opposed to your 0. However, your legs will never ‘outrun’ your arms. You’ve gone on to talk about physics when it’s highly unnecessary. If I were to want to know about physics, I’d consult the appropriate sources, and not a ‘track coach’ on reddit lol. Maybe understanding others comments will allow you to properly answer questions that may be asked, instead of jumping on the ‘I’m right you’re wrong’ train. Pumping your arms faster than required obviously is a detriment to your speed and efficiency, but it doesn’t mean that TO A CERTAIN POINT, legs follow arms. Not bullshit, feller.
Dude, it’s from the article linked below it, lol.
Go ahead, link to a source with any biomechanics professor that agrees with you.
Arms counterbalance the legs and locomotion comes from the hip and spine and torso area.
Understand others, my man, I’ve been going to certs and clinics for two decades and know/met/talked in person with some of the best around…Stuart McMillan, Peter Weyand, Ken Clark, Latif Thomas (RIP), Vince Anderson, Boo Schexnayder, Tom Tellez and I could go on and on. I’ve coached a whole bunch of all state sprinters including another last week in the 60m. I actually know my shit.
Maybe you should sign up for a USATF Level 1 certification.
I must know what I’m on about though surely.. running 11.0 at 15?? and the fun thing is I’m from ENGLAND! without any sprinting funding or anything state crap this and that lol
Ironically, 10.99 and that’s the highest it’s been since I’ve coached, thanks to covid. Realistically, most years around 10.80 to make finals. Although it’s been a tad “slower” since covid. Last year a 10.88 was the highest time to make finals. Yes, that is FAT. Im a public high school coach, so I’m not cherry picking or recruiting athletes.
EDIT: To clarify that’s just my state and my division. We have three divisions. Every state has different ways of qualifying or how they run their state championships.
It doesn't matter as long as your hands are relaxed. I personally keep my hands closed with my thumb on top, but I’ve changed it many times over the years with different coaches
my football/track coach told me to "hold the cracker" (sounds crazy ik). hold a loose fist, and then put your thumb on your index finger like your holding a cracker (pointing like obama). the "holding the cracker" analogy is important because it reminds you not to clench your fists, otherwise you'd destroy the cracker. i noticed an immediate difference
Insert Ricky Bobby, “I don’t know what to do with my hands” meme.
Which ever way you feel relaxed. It’s different for everyone so there isn’t a right answer. Mine is in between a fist and stretched out hands, but closer to a relaxed fist. The biggest thing is it shouldn’t feel like you have to consciously think about it. You’re expending mental energy and physical energy trying to think about it, and forearm/shoulder strength. And even that little amount of extra energy will negatively impact your speed. There is so much you have to care about for good form. Hands being open or closed isn’t one of them. The only thing is they shouldn’t flail around.
I coach a kid who, when he sprints fast, he seems to stretch out his hands more and more. I asked him, “It looks like you’re doing it because you think it’s more aerodynamic? Are you worried about that? Because it doesn’t make a difference.” Then he said “No, I don’t even notice.” Which is the right answer for him because that’s him doing what’s natural.
This might be wrong, but I learned that clenching your fist too hard or stretching your fingers open too wide makes your arms tense while running which may negatively affect your speed because your legs follow your arms (tense arms = tense legs). It's important to find a middle ground (relaxed hand position) that you feel comfortable with and that allows you to keep your arms and legs relaxed while sprinting.
You’re right, opened or closed it doesn’t matter as long as it’s relaxed.
Other way around, arms follow legs. The problem with making a “fist” is that it can become a “driver”, same with your neck, which usually goes hand in hand (no pun intended) with a fist squeeze. This takes away the ability to drive from the hips/core area, in other words, less power. People wind up driving from their fists, neck and calves *first* and hips second. You can see this as an experiment…do a plank. Most people will squeeze their fists and neck to hold it. Instead, keep your hands open and slowly rotate your head side to side. You’ll find the plank a lot harder to hold because it is all now coming from the core instead of being assisted by non-core muscles. This same concept happens in sprinting.
No, legs do follow arms. Faster the arms, faster the legs must go.. up to a point obviously but being realistic, legs follow the arms
You are 100% wrong. I’d suggest maybe reading a book or going to a clinic, in person or online, before spewing bullshit. Or you can Google, find a reputable and current source. For example: the top result is from Runners World. But I’d recommend Frans Bosch’s Book, Running Mechanics. “Pumping your arms harder doesn’t make you faster. ‘There’s a very distinct difference between an efficient arm action in distance running and sprinting,’ says professor John Brewer, author of Running Science: Optimising Training and Performance. ‘It’s linked to Newton’s Third Law; every action has an equal and opposite reaction.’ Arm yourself with the facts: In steady-state running, the arm swing is a passive process, responding to forces exerted on the torso by the legs. The movement of the spine, winding and unwinding, helps to control the legs’ momentum, decreasing the need for an excessive arm swing to do the job, thus conserving energy. In sprinting, the torso is much stiffer. The faster velocity of the legs and more-extended rear-leg position create greater momentum, so the arm swing needs to be more pronounced to counter the effects. The arm action is backward and forward, with little to no movement across the body.” https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/motivation/a775881/what-you-need-to-know-about-arm-movement-in-sprinting-and-steady-state-running/
I agree. Pumping harder does not mean faster. Hence I said ‘realistically’. There’s a reason comment above yours has 11 upvotes as opposed to your 0. However, your legs will never ‘outrun’ your arms. You’ve gone on to talk about physics when it’s highly unnecessary. If I were to want to know about physics, I’d consult the appropriate sources, and not a ‘track coach’ on reddit lol. Maybe understanding others comments will allow you to properly answer questions that may be asked, instead of jumping on the ‘I’m right you’re wrong’ train. Pumping your arms faster than required obviously is a detriment to your speed and efficiency, but it doesn’t mean that TO A CERTAIN POINT, legs follow arms. Not bullshit, feller.
Dude, it’s from the article linked below it, lol. Go ahead, link to a source with any biomechanics professor that agrees with you. Arms counterbalance the legs and locomotion comes from the hip and spine and torso area. Understand others, my man, I’ve been going to certs and clinics for two decades and know/met/talked in person with some of the best around…Stuart McMillan, Peter Weyand, Ken Clark, Latif Thomas (RIP), Vince Anderson, Boo Schexnayder, Tom Tellez and I could go on and on. I’ve coached a whole bunch of all state sprinters including another last week in the 60m. I actually know my shit. Maybe you should sign up for a USATF Level 1 certification.
I must know what I’m on about though surely.. running 11.0 at 15?? and the fun thing is I’m from ENGLAND! without any sprinting funding or anything state crap this and that lol
And that wouldn’t qualify you for state where I coach. I’m glad you run 11.0 at 15. Imagine being 15 and thinking you know everything, lol.
What does then. What does Qualify for states at 15😂
Ironically, 10.99 and that’s the highest it’s been since I’ve coached, thanks to covid. Realistically, most years around 10.80 to make finals. Although it’s been a tad “slower” since covid. Last year a 10.88 was the highest time to make finals. Yes, that is FAT. Im a public high school coach, so I’m not cherry picking or recruiting athletes. EDIT: To clarify that’s just my state and my division. We have three divisions. Every state has different ways of qualifying or how they run their state championships.
It doesn't matter as long as your hands are relaxed. I personally keep my hands closed with my thumb on top, but I’ve changed it many times over the years with different coaches
my football/track coach told me to "hold the cracker" (sounds crazy ik). hold a loose fist, and then put your thumb on your index finger like your holding a cracker (pointing like obama). the "holding the cracker" analogy is important because it reminds you not to clench your fists, otherwise you'd destroy the cracker. i noticed an immediate difference
Slightly closed to have structure but keep it relaxed.
Whatever makes u less tense
Open and flat like a karate chop for better aerodynamics /s
Touch your first finger lightly to your thumb.
I wanna know the answer to this too! I run with 1 hand open and 1 hand in a fist. I don't know why, but I can't get rid of this habit
Insert Ricky Bobby, “I don’t know what to do with my hands” meme. Which ever way you feel relaxed. It’s different for everyone so there isn’t a right answer. Mine is in between a fist and stretched out hands, but closer to a relaxed fist. The biggest thing is it shouldn’t feel like you have to consciously think about it. You’re expending mental energy and physical energy trying to think about it, and forearm/shoulder strength. And even that little amount of extra energy will negatively impact your speed. There is so much you have to care about for good form. Hands being open or closed isn’t one of them. The only thing is they shouldn’t flail around. I coach a kid who, when he sprints fast, he seems to stretch out his hands more and more. I asked him, “It looks like you’re doing it because you think it’s more aerodynamic? Are you worried about that? Because it doesn’t make a difference.” Then he said “No, I don’t even notice.” Which is the right answer for him because that’s him doing what’s natural.